Ermelo Lodge No 2516, initially sponsored by Addington Lodge No 1937 of Durban, had only been existence for some three years before seven of its members petitioned successfully for a second Lodge, Concordia No 2685, to meet in Ermelo. The reasons for what, in retrospect, seems to have been a hasty development are not clear, and mystery also surrounds the fate of Ermelo Lodge. Paul Butterfield, in Centenary, records that the Lodge suffered mass resignations late in 1898 and that, as it had ceased to work, was erased in 1904; while other sources record that the Lodge officers had been killed in fighting near Ermelo during the South African War. What is certain is that the first masonic hall in Ermelo, which had been used by both Lodges, was destroyed during that war.

The Concordia warrant, dated December 1897, is believed to have been brought from Durban to Ermelo by a detachment of British troops. The Lodge's original officers' jewels were looted during the war and taken to Australia, where they were found in the possessions of a non-mason who offered to return them on identification of their rightful owners. So, in 1916, they were brought back, framed and hung in the masonic hall in Ermelo. And the original Lodge Bible, probably placed in the local Anglican church for safekeeping during the war, was identified by the rector, 25 years later, as belonging to the Lodge, and returned with a letter expressing gratitude for its use.

The present masonic hall was built in 1911/2 and has in recent years been improved by extension of the supper room. Originally, for the benefit of the brethren travelling after dark, the Lodge met 'on the first Saturday evening after the full moon'. It went into recess during the South African War and resumed activity in 1903.

The WM of the Lodge in 1920/1 was William Anderson Bloomfield who, in October 1917, had been decorated with the Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace. Ian S Uys, in For Valour, records the award as being for most conspicuous bravery at Mlali, in East Africa, when Captain Bloomfield, having withdrawn his command together with his wounded, found that one of the wounded had been left behind. He returned over 400 yards under heavy fire and succeeded in carrying the wounded soldier back. After the war he returned to Ermelo, where he set up business as a cartage contractor.

Meeting place: de Jager Str., Ermelo